James Harrison Threatens to Quit NFL after Fine

Steelers linebacker James Harrison has been excused from Wednesday's practice after meeting with coach Mike Tomlin about the $75,000 fine Harrison incurred for a helmet hit on a Browns receiver.

Harrison has made it clear he's upset about the fine, saying in multiple radio interviews that he isn't certain that he can keep playing the way he has been taught since he was a youngster, now that the league is threatening to suspend players for dangerous hits.

"I'm going to sit down and have a serious conversation with my coach tomorrow and see if I can actually play by NFL rules and still be effective," Harrison said on Fox Sports Radio with Jody McDonald. "If not, I may have to give up playing football."

Harrison was the 2008 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and has a reputation of being one of the league's hardest hitters. His helmet hits caused Browns receivers Joshua Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi to leave Sunday's game with concussions.

Harrison was fined, but not suspended, for the hit on an unprotected Massaquoi as the receiver attempted to complete a catch.

The three-time Pro Bowl outside linebacker also said he might retire, although the Steelers don't seem to be taking that threat seriously. If he quit, Harrison would owe the Steelers a share of the $20 million in upfront money he collected when he signed a $51.2 million, six-year contract in April 2009.